Endoscopic removal of an unusual foreign body in the sphenoid sinus: an oral implant.

Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Abstract

AIM:

Migration of oral implants displaced in the maxillary sinus toward the sphenoid sinus is an extremely rare event. This case report is focused on the possibility of treating such a rare complication by means of endoscopic treatment through the nasal cavity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A 45-year-old female patient received one oral implant for the substitution of the left first upper molar, but during the surgical procedure the implant was displaced in the maxillary sinus. Owing to a delay in treatment, a spontaneous migration of the implant in the sphenoid sinus occurred.

RESULTS:

The implant was removed endoscopically through the nasal cavity: postoperative recovery was uneventful.

CONCLUSION:

To the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first report concerning migration of an oral implant into the sphenoid sinus and demonstrates the reliability and safety of an endoscopically driven surgical removal of the foreign body, thus preventing potential complications with extremely low postoperative morbidity.